A Laois paddling group have sought planning permission for the installation of five pontoons along the river Erkina Blueway.

The Woodenbridge Paddlers Association have applied for planning permission to install four new pontoons and replace an existing one at Woodenbridge. 

At Woodenbridge, the group have sought permission to replace an old pontoon with a new large pontoon designed for wheelchair access, and to install a boat access ramp. 

Pictured: the proposed pontoons and boat access ramp along the Erkina river Blueway

Small pontoons have been proposed at Boston Bridge and adjacent to Bob's Bar in Durrow. A large pontoon is proposed to be installed adjacent to Durrow Fire Station.

A separate planning application has been granted with conditions which includes the construction of a boat launch and car parking facilities at Boston Bridge. 

A new pontoon is also proposed to be installed at Bishop's Wood.

An amended planning application has been granted with conditions to construct car parking and toilet facilities at Woodenbridge. Currently, there is only one pontoon located at Woodenbridge, which is due for replacement. 

Pictured: The current pontoon in Woodenbridge, Laois.

In January, the River Erkina won top priority status under groundbreaking new Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP). It is the only river in Laois to be accepted into the scheme.

The Erkina flows north from Kilkenny towards Rathdowney and then east towards Durrow entering the important River Nore around 1.5 km east of the town.

The Appropriate Assessment Screening Report carried out by Laois County Council found that much of the masonry of the old Durrow bridge 'would appear to require urgent repair', particular the cutwaters, and the removal of excessive vegetation growth from the spandrels and outer faces of the parapets.

The report found that these proposed pontoons would not have negative effects or impacts on the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation.

On August 1, the Woodenbridge Paddlers collaborated with their chairperson Michael G Phelan to open the county's first tent campsite along the Blueway.

The campsite is situated 600 metres from the iconic Woodenbridge and the Erkina Blueway Canoe Trail, and is adjacent to several popular walking and cycling trails. 

Plans are also afoot to extend camping facilities to include a Park Up Campervan site off the adjacent Killarney's Lane for the 2026 season, according to organisers.